Cincinnati—For the last decade, many people suffering from
depression have been helped by a new generation of antidepressants
called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). The new
antidepressants, such as Prozac, became popular because of their
improved safety and tolerance over the older MAO inhibitors and
tricyclic antidepressants.

However, a third of patients do not
respond to SSRI medications, and some patients report disturbing
sexual, neurological, or gastrointestinal side effects. Recent research
suggests that substance P, a protein found in smooth muscle, peripheral
nerves, and the central nervous system, is a neurotransmitter/modulator
that may initiate mental distress.

Lesley Arnold, MD, assistant
professor and principal investigator of the study in the Department of
Psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine
says, "UC researchers will test substance P inhibitors to see if they
have an antidepressant effect."

Interested
volunteers who have been diagnosed with major depression may find out
if they qualify to participate in this study by calling Natalie at
(513) 558-3249.